Irresistible Cranberry Crumble Bars – Browned Butter Delight

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by Mia Hanry

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The sweet scent of baked goods fills the air, and you can almost taste the buttery goodness with just a hint of tartness. Picture a warm, crumbly treat that practically melts in your mouth, topped with a luscious layer of cranberry that sings joyfully with every bite. Gingerbread Pudding Cake Cranberry Upside Down Bundt Cake Yes, my friends, this is what Cranberry Crumble Bars – Browned Butter Blondie dreams are made of.

Cranberry Crumble Bars
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Imagine gathering around the table during the holidays, everyone eagerly waiting for that first bite. The moment you take a piece and watch your loved ones light up with delight is priceless. Classic Wreath Cupcakes These bars are not just treats; they’re memories waiting to happen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe for Cranberry Crumble Bars – Browned Butter Blondie is as easy as pie, but so much better
  • The flavors blend beautifully for an unforgettable taste experience
  • Visually, these bars are stunning with their vibrant cranberry topping against a golden crust
  • They’re versatile enough to enjoy at any gathering or even as a cozy snack at home

I remember the first time I made these bars for my family’s Thanksgiving dinner; their faces lit up like it was Christmas morning when they took their first bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter; it makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a caramel-like richness that complements the cranberries beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Raspberry Cheesecake Bars recipe.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps create a lovely crust on top.
  • All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure; sift it for lighter, fluffier bars.
  • Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work well; just ensure they’re juicy and vibrant.
  • Eggs: Large eggs are best here; they help bind everything together.
  • Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for maximum rise.
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla elevates all the flavors to new heights.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Brown Your Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until it becomes golden brown and smells nutty—this will add depth to your bars.

Mix Sugars and Eggs Together: In a large bowl, whisk together browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Sift together flour and baking powder before mixing into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix as it can make your bars tough.

Fold in Cranberries and Vanilla Extract: Gently fold in cranberries along with a splash of vanilla extract to enhance flavor and aroma. Take care not to crush the cranberries too much—those bursts of tartness are magical!

Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling before slicing into delightful squares.

With each step carefully crafted, you’re set to impress everyone around you with these incredible Cranberry Crumble Bars – Browned Butter Blondie!

You Must Know

  • These Cranberry Crumble Bars – Browned Butter Blondie are a delightful twist on the classic dessert
  • The nutty aroma of browned butter adds depth, while the tart cranberry filling balances the sweetness perfectly
  • Enjoy them fresh or warmed up for an irresistible treat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning your butter until it’s golden and nutty. Then mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining. This ensures that everything blends well without overmixing.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for different flavor profiles. Adding a touch of vanilla or almond extract can elevate the taste even further.

Storing & Reheating

Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always use chilled butter for the best texture in your bars
  • Ensure you don’t skip chilling the dough to enhance flavors and achieve a perfect crumble topping
  • Patience is key; let them cool completely before cutting to avoid messiness!

Sometimes, I reminisce about that one holiday gathering where these bars stole the show. Everyone asked for seconds, and I basked in my culinary glory!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well; just toss them in flour before mixing.

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend for delicious results.

What can I serve with these bars?

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream makes a lovely pairing with Cranberry Crumble Bars – Browned Butter Blondie. Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cranberry Crumble Bars

Cranberry Crumble Bars – Browned Butter Blondie


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  • Author: Mia Hanry
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: About 12 servings 1x

Description

Cranberry Crumble Bars – Browned Butter Blondie are a delightful treat that combines rich, nutty flavors with the tartness of cranberries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family snacks, these bars feature a golden crust and a luscious cranberry topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to make and visually stunning, they are sure to create sweet memories around your table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (tossed in flour)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until golden brown; set aside.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.
  4. Sift flour and baking powder together; gradually mix into wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Fold in cranberries and vanilla extract gently.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool before slicing into bars.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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